The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has urged stakeholders and aviation professionals to refrain from making speculative comments regarding the tragic incident involving the Jabiru J430 aircraft. The NSIB has emphasized the importance of waiting for the official outcome of their investigation before drawing any conclusions.
The incident occurred in the Oba Akran area of Lagos last Tuesday when a Jabiru J430 light single-engine aircraft with the registration number 5N CCQ crashed during a test flight to Ibadan. The crash created panic among motorists, commuters, and residents who were in the vicinity at the time.
Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, the spokesperson for NSIB, addressed the media in Lagos, emphasizing the need for professionalism and adherence to international guidelines when dealing with aviation accidents. He highlighted the rules outlined in Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which governs the processes involved in accident investigations.
According to Annex 13, preliminary reports should be released within 30 days of the occurrence, with the final report to be published within 12 months following the completion of the investigation. Mr. Oketunbi assured the public that the NSIB would conduct a thorough investigation and provide practical recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He further urged individuals and industry stakeholders to refrain from making baseless assumptions or comments on the cause of the accident until the NSIB’s official findings are made public. Such speculative statements could harm the country’s reputation in the international aviation community.
Mr. Oketunbi stressed that the ownership of the aircraft involved in the crash should not influence the investigation process. The focus should solely be on carrying out a meticulous examination of the incident within the framework of aviation regulations and ICAO’s recommended practices.
“We appeal to everyone to allow the NSIB to commence its investigation, issue its preliminary and final reports, and then draw conclusions based on verified information,” Mr. Oketunbi said. “Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of the aviation industry, and we cannot afford to be influenced by emotions or unverified speculations circulating in the public domain.”
The NSIB reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability throughout the investigation and subsequent reporting process. The organization seeks to maintain the highest standards in aviation safety and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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